The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) invites applicants for the position of part-time Animal Trainer to support HSBV’s shelter animal behavior modification program. Certified Animal Trainers largely support the shelter animal behavior modification program and work directly with dogs and cats who demonstrate food guarding, body handling sensitivity, fearful behavior, dog-dog incompatibility, feline fear, inappropriate elimination, separation anxiety, or behaviors related to long-term residency or visual/hearing impairments.
Animal trainers are members of the behavior department which hosts a progressive team of professionals working closely with the animal shelter’s veterinary staff, the shelter department, the behavior and health team, and associated volunteers. The training center team provides life-changing support, touching the lives of over a thousand animals annually. Visit our training & behavior page to learn more about the programs and services available.
This specific opportunity requires Saturday availability with the potential to schedule additional hours during the rest of the week. Saturday hours will be regularly scheduled, and, at this time, additional hours will be dependent on their availability or offered when additional support is needed. Applications are currently accepted at any time.
We encourage you to apply if you have transferable experience, even if it’s not a perfect match. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups including but not limited to women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans. Bilingual (Spanish/English) individuals are encouraged to apply.
Position Summary
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Perform behavior modification sessions each day for shelter dogs and cats enrolled in the program.
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Conduct dog to dog introductions for the purposes of co-housing shelter residents.
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Ensure thorough documentation and communication regarding animal progress.
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Assist in the coordination of enrichment efforts for long-term shelter residents.
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Practice positive reinforcement, force-free and fear-free training techniques when working with animals.
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Facilitate adoption counseling and introductions to other animals for shelter animals enrolled in the behavior modification program and for animals with behavior disclosures.
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Support special projects, initiatives, and programs as needed including supporting Puppy Club, performing data collection, photography, videography, and creating promotional content.
This advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all job activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required of the employee to perform this job.
Qualifications
Certification in dog training (CPDT-KA) required. Additional certification is preferred but not required. Examples of other preferred qualifying certification:
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CTC – Certificate in Training and Counseling through Jean Donaldson’s Academy of Dog Trainers
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KPA-CTP - Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
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CBCC - Certified Behavior Consultant Canine
At least two years’ experience conducting one-on-one training sessions for dogs or performing behavior modification sessions in a shelter setting. Experience training cats is a plus. A pre-employment background check and drug screen are required for all employment candidates.
Knowledge and Skills
Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive-based, force-free animal training including strong clicker training skills. Socially conscious sheltering philosophy or awareness of practices preferred. Ability to read canine body language; comfortable managing dog/dog interactions and familiarity with fight protocols. Effective verbal and written communication and customer service skills. Ability to maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment with shifting priorities. Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office and digital communication platforms are required.
Work Conditions
Work is performed in an animal kennel environment, training arenas, and a shared office environment; some work is performed outdoors. Six to ten-hour shifts are spent standing, sitting, bending, lifting, twisting, kneeling, squatting, walking, answering telephones, and performing data entry. Exposure to animals, zoonotic diseases, cleaning agents, and chemicals. Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament. Occasional lifting of up to fifty pounds with reasonable assistance.
What We Offer
The anticipated pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00 per hour. This pay range is the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s best estimate for this potion and actual compensation will be based on factors including but not limited to the depth and extent of relevant experience, education, and additional training/certifications for preferred skills. There is an additional $2.00 per hour paid for hours worked on weekends. Additional compensation is available for qualified employees who can translate for our Spanish-speaking clientele. Although this role is considered part-time and not eligible for most benefits, all HSBV employees are eligible for discounts and HSBV services.
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Discounts on adoptions, pet food, pet supplies, veterinary care, and training services
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Complimentary pet boarding
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Retirement plan options
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HSBV participates in Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance program.
About the Humane Society of Boulder Valley
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is a community-supported, open-door facility that provides shelter, medical care, and behavioral rehabilitation to nearly 5,000 animals annually. Its programs are inspired by its mission to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. Since its inception in 1902, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the community and a national leader in animal welfare.
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, ancestry, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
